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Digital Literacy: Tutorial 2: Online Etiquette

By following this guide on digital literacy, users will be able to communicate, use and apply digital technology in multiple formats presented via computers and perform tasks effectively in a digital environment.

Online Etiquette

  • Always show respect when discussing issues and views. Make your argument about the issue not the person.
  • Stop complaining. Never complain about your home or academic environment, friends, lecturers or colleagues. It is unprofessional.
  • Evaluate the sources you share. Remember fake news is everywhere.
  • Ask permission to post photos of friends, colleagues etc. 
  • Never "like" bad news. 
  • Never use foul language on social media. You never know who might view your Facebook page. It is unprofessional.

YouTube has strict rules that members must follow:

  • Don't post pornographic or sexually explicit content
  • Don't post content containing frontal nudity 
  • Don't post content featuring graphic violence
  • Don't post content with disturbing or disgusting video footage
  • Know the copyright laws
  • Dont' post content containing  hate speech, including verbal attacks based on gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, disability or nationality
  • Don't reveal other users' personal information.

Do's

  • Show your personality
  • Start with a specific working title
  • Use a specific post type, create an outline and use headers
  • Write in a conversational style
  • When using someone else's ideas in your blog, cite them
  • Proofread and edit before posting
  • Keep content fresh by updating regularly.

Don'ts

  • When using other photos from websites link the photos back to the site
  • Don't copy: put your own spin on ideas and do not replicate someone else's ideas.

Source: Values for Lite

  • Don't tweet only once in a while. Your tweet will get lost among other tweets. Tweet regularly. According to Buffer three tweets a day is sufficient.
  • Don't make the tweet longer than the limited characters. Although the limit is 280 character tweets, people expect tweets to be short and sweet and to the point.
  • Don't tweet old news. Stay to current news or stories.
  • Do tweet responses. Responses allow for engagement from your followers.
  • Don't tweet defensive responses. Responding with defensive tweets will cause the conversation to grow and cause negative comments not worth reading.
  • Don't tweet too many hashtags. The general rule is two hashtags per tweet. Used excessively can cause annoyance and confusion.
  • To keep your tweets professional, use real English and avoid slang such "LOL".
  • Tweet a bit of self-promotion, such as a new project you are working on.

  • Don't over clutter your Instagram. Your Instragram will result in spam and push followers away.
  • Interact with your followers, such as giving them a like, follow or positive comments.
  • Have fun with Instagram. This will make you relatable.
  • Make sure your photos are of high quality.